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In Depth

Coolmine Equestrian Academy Dublin (CEAD) in Ireland has been hosting equestrian holidays and horseback riding vacations in Ireland's capital city of Dublin since 1991. CEAD-Ireland provides riding holidays for single travelers, familties and groups in a fun, friendly environment. Conveniently located within a 30 minute drive of many of the Dublin area's main tourist attractions, this riding vacation destination offers adult riding lessons, horseback riding on mountain and forest trails with breathtaking scenery in the Irish countryside, combined with sightseeing in Ireland.

Guests may visit Coolmine Equestrian Academy to brush up on their riding skills or take a trail riding vacation combined with seeing some of Ireland's top sights. Equestrian vacations can be customized for all types and levels of riders. A typical equestrian vacation week may include: Introduction and getting matched up with your horse for the week, Dressage, Showjumping or Cross Country Masterclasses, Trail Riding and more Day Trips to National Stud or Dublin City.

In order to help riders learn and grow on their horse holiday, CEAD Ireland offers video analysis of riding lessons, evening activities, cultural day trips and English language tutorials. Faciliities include a large 60x40m indoor with a judgebox, sound system and two floodlit outdoor arenas with lunging menage on grass. The estate has a cross country course with waterjump and picnic areas. Coolmine is a convenient location for Dublin Riding Holidays.

Equestrian Training Vacations

Top level British Horse Society approved instructors hold regular Master Classes in Show Jumping, Dressage and Cross Country throughout the year. Cross Country classes start off with Indoor Cross Country schooling on how to ride a variety of cross country fences, fine tuning the cross country positions and techniques before moving outside to Coolmine Equestrian's 20 plus cross country fences across a variety of terrain to experience the thrill and exhilaration of outdoor Cross Country jumping!

Dressage Classes cover how to ride and improve your dressage test. Coolmine Equestrian's instructors help develop the connection between horse and rider to improve the horses way of going through bending, flexing and coming through from behind to progress to riding “on the bit” – as well as an accurate Dressage Test!

Trail Riding through history in Ireland

Imagine starting your riding trail at the last standing section of an Ancient Monastic Site, following a winding path through Coolmine Equestrian's 80 acre estate, through streams, over jumps and through marshy land. Then climbing upwards to venture through the Dublin Mountains Knocknadrina Forest with breathtaking views of Dublin city and the Bay below, looking North to the Famous Hill of Tara. Maybe take a moment to take it all in at our scenic picnic areas over lunch on the trails!

Ireland’s vibrant history is reflected in a striking variety of prehistoric evidence scattered across the country, like megalithic tombs and dolmens, Celtic ring forts and burial sites - each of them with its own individual local legend and myths. The Celtic culture and language dominated Irish history for thousands of years, and even now, that legacy is still in Ireland. There is one section of this settlement remaining at the Lynch family farm, where Coolmine Equestrian Academy riders can trek, overlooking the outdoor arena where trail rides begin.

Some trail rides pass through an Irish Ring Fort in the Dublin forest which dates back to the 2nd century BC. Vikings discovered these vulnerable settings and raided many of these tempting targets of their precious ornaments and wonderfully crafted books. In an attempt to save their relics, the monks built distinctive round towers, which Vikings couldn’t loot. You can find round towers in the local village of Clondalkin and the picturesque early medieval monastic settlement at Glendalough.

The Lynch family, the owners of Coolmine Equestrian, looked for any leftover precious gems, artefacts or gold in 1911 when John "the Boss" Lynch bought the estate. There was only an old underground passage where women and clergymen fled attack with the churches precious gold and jewels which surfaced in Rathcoole.

Today Dublin's hidden charms may be forgotten but its history resurfaces when Coolmine's guides greet guests from all over the world with a warm welcome and a "CEAD MILE FAILTE" (A hundred thousand welcomes)!

Residential Summer Camps-- Equestrian Academy & English Language Courses June to August

Send your child to the only Residential Horse Riding Camp close to Dublin City and Dublin International Airport for an experience at a top-class Equestrian Academy. All residential accommodation is under one roof for ease and comfort. Days are varied, alternating English lessons, horse riding lessons and other activities, including day trips and sight seeing tours.

Horse riding is a truly unique activity for developing a young person’s confidence, sense of adventure and communication with such a magnificent animal. Coolmine Equestrian Centre’s Equestrian Academy is suitable for all levels of experience. Rider’s will be divided into groups based on ability. All students will be able to take part in stable management, lectures and horse riding activities. Students have the opportunity to improve their riding skills, play games and benefit from top class instruction.

This camp is designed to accommodate riders with a taste for adventure. Campers have the chance to absorb ancient Irish culture, see the sights and spend their time enjoying the company of their four legged friend. Coolmine Equestrian is steeped in Irish culture and campers learn about Irish folklore, explore winding mountain paths and ancient burial grounds. Dublin is renowned for its diverse culture and tourist attractions. Students explore Dublin’s charms and get to see real Irish hidden attractions. Visit Coolmine Equestrian Academy Dublin's website or email Coolmine for more information.

Children stay in dorm style accommodation onsite at the Equestrian Academy. Dormitory style accommodation is available across two floors for the authentic boarding school experience. Students all have access to hot showers, changing rooms and clean, modern facilities. A large recreation room is available for socializing, watching TV, playing video games, accessing the internet to contact home, playing pool and to relax.

A large canteen is available for breakfast, lunch and dinners. There is a convenience store, gift shop and tack shop in the complex. Packed lunches are provided for all day trips and tours.

Food

Hearty and Healthy Irish Meals, European Cuisine, Chinese, Traditional Fish and Chips, and more. Vegatarians, Vegans, and those with Allergies can be accommodated with prior notice.

Area Attractions

All attractions are within a 30 minute drive from Coolmine Equestrian Centre. Coolmine's staff can help you arrange a Dublin City Tour, a visit to Pheonix Park and Dublin Zoo, Glendalough National Park, the Irish National Stud & Horse Museum, Japanese & St Fiachra’s Gardens, and more. This is just a selection of tours and excursions available to your group. Please contact us and one of our experienced coordinators for more information or suggestion for what may suit your group’s size, budget and interests.

At a Glance

Coolmine Equestrian Academy specializes in horse riding holidays, including trail riding, adult horse camps and riding lessons, pony camps, and more in the Irish countryside on the outskirts of Dublin city.

Location

In the countryside of Ireland’s Capital City of Dublin

Airport

20mins drive away

Riding Style/ Ability

English Style / Beginner specialty as well as Novice, Intermediate & Advanced